Missile Modeling Kinematics Engineer

Missile Modeling Kinematics Engineer – Level 1 or 2

Position Overview:

Threat Systems Engineering (TSE) is responsible for the development and delivery of high-fidelity threat modeling products in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). TSE is responsible for the development of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) used to simulate element models of MDA’s BMDS, including kinematic missile modeling, IR signature modeling, data production/analysis activities, and maintenance/sustainment activities for the entire TSE software baseline. TSE is a cornerstone element to the Threat and Advanced Simulations Development (TASD) contract.

This position requires a detail-oriented engineer responsible for understanding Aerodynamic forces; Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems; M&S of systems’ kinematics characteristics within the TSE’s model generation framework; and providing documentation required for running threat data in Ground Test architectures. The selected individual must be able to work with little or no direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team, and meet time-critical delivery schedules. This position will be located on-site at Schriever Space Force Base, in Colorado Springs, CO.

This role requires candidates to be on-site daily with no option for remote/hybrid work.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for developing ballistic and advanced/hypersonic kinematic threat models for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools/frameworks/media
• Will apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected missile or space launch vehicle behavioral characteristics during all phases of powered and un-powered flight
• Will have a good understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes
• Will research, interpret, and verify parameters required to build, replicate, and propagate missile or space launch vehicle trajectories including, but not limited to, staging debris, countermeasures, and payload traits
• Will author highly technical Verification and Validation (V&V) documents
• Will work with little to no direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team, and meet time-critical delivery schedules

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either Systems Engineer 1 or Systems Engineer 2.

Basic Requirements:

Level 2:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience, or a PhD and 0 year of experience.

Level 1:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of experience.

Basic Requirements across levels:

• Must already possess an active DoD Secret clearance
• Programming background, to include languages such as MATLAB, Python, and LaTex
• Strong knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, and performance of ballistic missiles
• Must be self-motivated and able to work in a dynamic team environment
• Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, users, and MDA ground test stakeholders to ensure product requirements are met
• Familiar with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and models
• Experience with V&V of vehicle kinematics simulation results

Preferred Requirements:

• Strong math, physics, or engineering background
• Modeling, Simulation, and automation experience
• Previous experience with modeling flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles
• Strong background in missile system engineering performance is highly desirable
• Mastery of engineering modeling principles behind body motion, trajectory generation, counter measures, and debris is a plus
• Possess an active DoD Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret Clearance